The novel, patented net technology Storanet® has received registration for commercialization in Germany. BASF can now provide the first non-liquid technology to prevent pest problems in harvested timber. Since it does not need to be applied with conventional spraying systems, it can significantly reduce the risk of exposure for operators, as well as the environment, making the net a significant improvement towards more sustainable forest protection.

Storanet® is a high performance net coated with an insecticide, specifically designed for covering or wrapping timber piles. The fibers in the net are treated with an exclusive coating technology developed by BASF that controls the amount of insecticide available on the surface of the net. Due to this process, Storanet® uses eight times less active ingredient than conventional treatments, still achieving the same level of control. Furthermore, BASF’s solution can be used in some conservation areas, where spraying is highly restricted.

The Storanet® technology also offers economic benefits. It is quicker to apply and when reused as recommended, can reduce treatment costs by up to 70% compared to liquid insecticides.

“With this pioneering approach, we are certainly changing the face of wood protection. The only products on the market to combat bark beetles are liquids and have to be sprayed. With Storanet®, we will help our customers save precious application time and achieve consistent, quality performance,” said Thomas Zühlke, Forestry Manager Europe BASF Crop Protection. The nets can be used at any level of pest pressure, weather conditions and type of forest situation all season long. Furthermore, safe and easy handling allows application without special training. “The nets retain their efficacy for six months, can be reused up to five times and can be disposed of in an environmentally compatible way,” explained Zühlke.

BASF combines global expertise in impregnated net technology with decades of experience in the forestry business. Storanet® is part of an innovative, new forest protection system to prevent damage from bark and wood nesting insects. In 2010, this net technology system won an innovation award from the Curatorium for Forestry and Forest Technology in Germany. Since then, BASF has further developed its solution into a solid and innovative technology for foresters. Storanet® is also registered in Switzerland and further registrations in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia and Sweden are expected later in the year. For more information about the product, please visit our forestry website (forestry.basf.eu).

Storanet® will be presented until Sunday, July 20, at ‘Interforst 2014’, the international trade fair for forestry in Munich (Booth 531 Grube Forestry Supplies, Hall B6).

About BASF’s Crop Protection division
With sales of more than €5.2 billion in 2013, BASF’s Crop Protection division provides innovative solutions in crop protection, seed treatment and biological control as well as solutions to manage water, nutrients and plant stress. Its portfolio also includes products for turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leading innovator that supports growers to optimize agricultural production, improve their business efficiency and enhance the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at agro.basf.com or through our social media channels.

About BASF
BASF (basf.com) is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of about €74 billion in 2013 and over 112,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN).

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